"I honestly can't say whether or not we'd continue to subsidize the property," Smith said. "It depends on what kind of business proposal someone comes to (city officials) with. If it's a viable plan, we'll do our best to help out a new tenant."

Assistant City Manager Jonathan Greene said the property can serve as an opportunity.

"I know how hard Steve worked to keep the community dining in downtown Jackson," he said. "The only way we can look at it now is to say it's an opportunity for something new, whatever that may be."

Greene said he expects a new business to take up the space soon with the city's new focus on developing downtown Jackson and the Anchor Initiative.

Carlson could not be reached for comment.

Contact Will Forgrave at wforgrav@mlive.com or 517-262-7554. Follow him on Twitter at @WillForgrave.